Todd Helton plans to attend Super Bowl to support Peyton Manning

NEW YORK — Todd Helton never won a World Series with the Rockies in 17 seasons, unsuccessful in his bid in 2007. However, if the Broncos win their third Super Bowl, he deserves a tip of the cap.

Todd Helton, who retired last season, is the last quarterback to start in front of Peyton Manning. It happened at the University of Tennessee, where the two began a friendship that has lasted two decades. (The Denver Post file)

Helton doesn’t take credit for Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos prior to the 2012 season. But it didn’t hurt that he told him what a great place Colorado was to live and raise a family. Manning craves inside intelligence. This information was valuable, as was the work of the Rockies’ training staff, which helped Manning at times during his recovery during his neck rehab during the NFL lockout. Helton later worked out with Manning at Duke University, running passing routes with intramural athletes.

“You can’t believe how competitive he his. He was critiquing the patterns, and getting on guys,” Helton said.

Helton told The Post he hopes to attend the Super Bowl in support of Manning, taking a break from hunting and helping coach his oldest daughter’s youth basketball team. He still has to finalize some details, but expects to make it to New Jersey for the game.

Helton was at Sports Authority Field for the AFC Championship game, and has seen a battery of Manning’s games over the years, including when he was a member of the Indianapolis Colts. Helton hosted Archie Manning at Coors Field last season. And Peyton Manning attended Helton’s last home game.

Manning and Helton became friends at the University of Tennessee. When Helton was injured, Manning replaced him, and never relinquished the quarterback job. Helton focused on baseball, leading the Volunteers to a College World Series berth.

Manning has been a periodic visitor at Rockies’ games, in Cincinnati and several times in Denver. He once took BP with the Rockies, has signed several autographs for players and was sitting behind the plate when Helton hit a pinch-hit grand slam early in the 2012 season.

Told that Manning has handled this week deftly — no player has been the subject of more attention — Helton wasn’t surprised.